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Public Consultations

ECHA Public Consultations

The Authorisation Process

The authorisation procedure aims to assure that the risks from Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) are properly controlled and that these substances are progressively replaced by suitable alternatives while ensuring the good functioning of the EU internal market. There are three steps in this process whereby ECHA consults with the public:

Restrictions under Consideration

Restrictions on the manufacture, placing on the market and use of certain dangerous substances, preparations and articles can have serious trade implications. Restrictions can also have implications for the end user or consumer, as certain products may no longer be on the market for a particular use. ECHA holds public consultations on all restrictions proposals, and stakeholders can submit comments during these consultations.

The Chemicals Helpdesk of the HSA aims to ensure that all stakeholders are consulted as early as possible in the process so that they are given the opportunity to comment on the proposed restrictions and to make any necessary changes to their processes. If you want to be kept informed about upcoming restrictions proposals under REACH you should subscribe to the HSA’s Chemicals E- bulletin. Public consultations on all restrictions are facilitated through the ECHA & EU Consultations website.

ECHA also hosts a Registry of Intentions on its website. This registry allows stakeholders to keep up to date with information on Member State intentions to submit a restriction dossier in the future.

Substances for Harmonised Classification & Labelling

The classification and labelling of certain hazardous chemicals must be harmonised to ensure adequate risk management throughout the European Union. Harmonised classifications and labelling are mandatory for the suppliers of respective substances so that users are better informed about their potential hazardous effects and how best to make use of them safely. The harmonised classification and labelling process includes a period of public consultation that lasts 45 days. Please see ECHA's current consultations.

Testing Proposals

To ensure that the best use has been made of existing information, particularly information on existing vertebrate tests, ECHA publishes all test proposals involving vertebrate animals, for endpoints specified in Annexes IX and X under REACH, on this webpage before the testing is carried out. After a testing proposal has been published, third parties have 45 days to submit "scientifically valid information and studies that address the relevant substance and hazard endpoint, relating to the testing proposal". Please see ECHA's current consultations.

EU Commission Public Consultations

The EU Commission has launched a public consultation on the regulatory fitness of chemicals legislation (excluding REACH). Its objective is to obtain stakeholder views on the functioning of the legislative framework for chemicals. This framework encompasses legislation governing the hazard identification and classification of chemicals and legislation governing risk management measures for chemicals (excluding REACH), including chemical-related provisions in worker safety legislation, transport legislation, environmental protection legislation, product control legislation, as well as supporting legislation.

For more information and to participate in this consultation please visit the Commissions webpage, the closing date is 27th May 2016.